Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Phyllanthus niruri 叶下珠






Commonly known as stonebreaker because of its strong roots, Phyllanthus Niruri is an herb that grows in tropical areas like the rain forests of the Amazon, Bahamas, China and Southern India. It can reach 30-60 centimeters in height and when in bloom displays an array of yellow flowers. It grows freely like a weed spreading abundantly. All parts of the plant exhibit medicinal properties. It is used medically as a diuretic and an astringent.In drier climates like Brazil, India, Florida, and Texas, Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus sellowianus grows. They are similar in appearance and medical application to Phyllanthus Niruri.

Phyllanthus niruri has a long history in herbal medicine systems world wide. The whole plant and its aerial parts are used for many remedies, mostly biliary and urinary. Some examples are kidney and gallbladder stones, hepatitis, colds, flu, tuberculosis, and other viral infections. It has also been proven effective in liver diseases like jaundice and liver cancer. It is sometimes used for bacterial infections such as cystitis, prostatitis, venereal diseases, and urinary tract infections. It can also assist in reducing anemia symptoms, diabetes and hypertension. It is well known for its diuretic, analgesic, stomachic, antispasmodic, febrifugal, and cell protective properties. Phyllanthus may help decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus found in the blood stream. Phyllanthus urinaria is more effective medicinally than the variety Phyllanthus amarus.

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